Old Edited Viral Video of Reporter Hit by Stop Sign Resurfaces as TikTok Trend After Dolly Parton’s Death
An Irish news report from December 2015 has found renewed viral life on social media, more than a decade after its original broadcast. The footage features RTÉ reporter Teresa Mannion delivering a forceful weather warning during Storm Desmond, a segment that became an internet sensation and has now resurfaced as a popular audio trend on TikTok.
The Original Broadcast
The video was originally posted by RTÉ in December 2015. Standing in harsh winds and rain, Mannion urged the public to stay safe, stating: “Don’t make unnecessary journeys, don’t take risks on treacherous roads, and don’t swim in the sea!” Her intense delivery and the ferocity of the storm behind her made the clip an instant classic of Irish internet culture.
Edited Version and Meme Status
Shortly after the initial broadcast, an edited version of the video began circulating online. This doctored footage appeared to show Mannion being struck by a flying stop sign. The realism of the edit led some viewers to believe the incident had actually occurred, further cementing the clip’s status as a viral phenomenon.
2026 TikTok Resurgence
In August 2026, the audio from Mannion’s report experienced a significant resurgence on TikTok. Creators adopted the sound for a specific trend mourning the loss of celebrities. The format serves as a grim warning to public figures, urging them not to make “unnecessary journeys” that might lead to their death. The trend saw a sharp spike in usage in late August 2026 following the death of Dolly Parton.
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